RE: Umbilical

["Wayne Allen" <wayne@micromouse.co.uk>]

I can see the point to a degree, but it does seem to me that using an
umbilical is taking the event so far from the original as to make it a
totally separate event. I know we need to encourage new talent, and I am
totally in favour of this but such radical changes, together with the
logistical nightmare of the cabling seem to me to be akin to allowing my
Ford Escort to compete at the next formula one event (and I mean Motor
racing, not the Micromouse variety). I don't see a problem with a
demonstration system, i.e. here is my mouse with a radio link to show
people what it does in the maze... that would be interesting, but again
in a similar way that we see full size jet engined cars at Technogames
(or was it a rocket).

Wayne
Someone who has Something to do with Micromouse in the UK!!


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-micromouse@cs.rhul.ac.uk
[mailto:owner-micromouse@cs.rhul.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Duncan Louttit
Sent: 25 September 2003 20:53
To: micromouse@cs.rhul.ac.uk
Subject: RE: Umbilicals


Hi Everyone,

	My interpretation of umbilical is ANY connection to a computer
that is not moving with the mouse.

	It is fairly easy to make a cable system suspended from a high
enough point with elastic to return the cable. The thing that stops
people having 2 motors and sensors on the end of the cable AND BEING
COMPETITIVE, is the cable and return system. The advantage in terms of
making it easier for entry level is that people can turn up with just
that: 2 motors and some sensors connected to a PC LPT port. I don't
think any such beast would get in the top 3 of a real competition, but
it is an easy project for people to have a go at.

	Regards,

	Duncan